Cyber Bullying Leaves One Third of UK Youth Depressed

Over a third (34%) of young people in the United Kingdom have felt depressed because of something they have seen on a social networking site and one in seven (14%) have been victims of cyber bullying, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by the Prince’s Trust. The study also revealed that young women are more likely to be negatively affected by posts they have seen on social networks like Facebook and Twitter than young men.

Roughly 20% of 16-18 year old teenagers responded to the survey saying that they have witnessed more bullying online than in person. These are alarming figures that shed light on the rapid growth of cyber bullying in recent years. The poll also reveals that 39% of young adults are friends with people online that they have never met before, which increases to almost half (46%) of 16-18 year olds.